Additional Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation With Otago Exercises on Fall Risk in Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Launched by FOUNDATION UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD · Aug 7, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying ways to help people with type 2 diabetes reduce their risk of falling. Many people with diabetes develop nerve damage, especially in their feet and legs, which can make it harder to balance and increase the chance of falls. This study compares two exercise programs: one group will do the Otago Exercise Program, which is designed to improve balance and strength, while the other group will do a combination of Otago exercises along with special muscle and nerve stretching techniques called Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF). The goal is to see if adding PNF exercises helps improve balance, reduce fear of falling, and improve how well people can feel sensations in their feet.

To join the study, participants must be between 50 and 75 years old, have had type 2 diabetes for more than 5 years, and show signs of nerve damage in their feet. They also need to have a certain level of balance to safely take part. Those with recent joint surgery, foot wounds, other serious neurological diseases, or physical disabilities that prevent exercise cannot join. Participants will attend exercise sessions lasting about 40-50 minutes, three times a week for six weeks. Their balance, confidence in avoiding falls, and foot sensation will be tested before and after the program to see how well the exercises work. This study aims to find better ways to keep people with diabetes steady on their feet and reduce the chance of falls.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Diabetes type 2 patients
• • 50-75 years of age
• • Both Males and Female Gender
• • Duration of diabetes more than 5 years
• • Participants positive for Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument
• • Patients having berg balance scale score \>20
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Surgical procedure involving knee, ankle, or hip joints.
• • Foot Ulcers and Deformities.
• • Diagnosis of neurological diseases (CVA, MS, Parkinson disease etc.) besides DPN.
• • Absence of Visual Impairment and Hearing loss Patients having comprehension difficulties
• • Physical disability that prevents from performing the exercises